(Newser)
–
The star and creator of Broadway hit Hamilton is heading to the big screen. Lin-Manuel Miranda has been cast in Disney's live-action reboot of Mary Poppins, starring Emily Blunt in the title role. In this version set in Depression-era London, the children of the classic story are grown up; Michael Banks is now a father of three, reports E! Mary re-enters the picture when the family suffers a loss, and together with her friend Jack—a "street lamplighter" played by Miranda—she "helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives," Disney says, per USA Today.

The film, titled Mary Poppins Returns, isn't due out until Christmas 2018, but Miranda says he's already learning original songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, reports CNET. Blunt previously showed off her singing talents in Into the Woods, directed by Rob Marshall, who has also signed on for this reboot. "I look forward to creating an original movie musical that can bring Mary Poppins, and her message that childlike wonder can be found in even the most challenging of times, to a whole new generation," Marshall says. No word if Miranda will be rapping. E! runs down the eight reasons why Blunt and Miranda are the perfect picks for the film. (Read more movies stories.)